NMSDC Virginia, Carolinas And Maryland/DC Councils Restructure To Strengthen Network

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of a national reorganization of the entire National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) network, beginning June 2013, the Virginia, Carolinas and Maryland/District of Columbia Councils will restructure and consolidate resources to enhance benefits for corporate members and strengthen business opportunities for certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) within the Tri-Council geographic area.

Northern Virginia and Maryland/DC will consolidate to share resources and streamline operations to better serve corporate members and MBEs. Central Virginia and Carolinas will comprise the newly aligned Carolinas-Central Virginia Council, which will now represent the following regions and major cities: Central [Richmond, VA and Petersburg, VA]; Eastern [Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, VA]; Foothills [Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC]; Metrolina [Charlotte, Gastonia and Salisbury, NC]; Midlands [Columbia, Florence and eastern SC]; Piedmont [Raleigh, Durham and Research Triangle Park, NC]; Triad [Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point and Burlington, NC]; and Western [Charlottesville, Roanoke, Staunton, Lexington and Harrisonburg, VA].

Effective June 3, Tracey Jeter, formerly of the Virginia MSDC, will take the helm as president and CEO of the Maryland/DC Capital Council. Eric Watson was recently appointed as president and CEO of the Carolinas-Central Virginia Council. Watson said, "Our objective as NMSDC affiliates is to produce a seamless integration of the existing talent, resources and leadership within our Councils – and to deliver exceptional service to our corporate members and MBEs by advancing supplier diversity initiatives and connecting certified MBEs to more business development opportunities."

The nationwide realignment of NMSDC councils is designed to standardize programs, services and pricing; expand MBE access to corporate members; increase contract volume; and reduce overall operational expenses. All council consolidations and realignments are scheduled for completion by January 2014. During the transition period, Sylvia Thomas, Virginia MSDC Vice President of Operations will continue to provide leadership and serve as the point of contact for inquiries in Virginia.

In June 2013, Jeter and Watson will co-host a conference call to welcome new and current members of the Tri-Council areas and share future plans for the organizations. Invitations to join the call will be distributed to corporate members and MBEs via email and on the respective Council websites.

SOURCE Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council